I did not expect to fall apart while presenting my informative speech about String Theory. When I realized I didn't have the final draft of my powerpoint, I freaked out and stuttered throughout my speech. The power point definitely held me back a lot. I probably shouldn't have panicked, but I was disappointed since I put in a lot of effort for this speech. The introduction started off well; I was still a tad nervous. As I made my way to the body of the speech, the slides I had planned to implement in the speech were not there and I stumbled. For the future, I know now that I should not panic, and that visual aids are just exactly that, aids. I shouldn't have relied on my powerpoint so heavily as I did for my speech on String Theory. Although I did make an assumption that my audience wouldn't be able to comprehend what I was saying, since String Theory is a tricky thing to discuss; I believed that the pictures from my slides would help the audience better understand the main point of my speech.
After stuttering and stumbling, I realized I wasn't helping my case at all by trying to look through my e-mail addresses for my powerpoint. So i decided to ditch the powerpoint and try to proceed with the speech. It was difficult to do, but I managed and the conclusion was far better than the body of the speech. Well, now I know that the show must go on.
I know that I could improve my delivery since I was so nervous after the mishap, but I couldn't help the feeling of anxiety after that had happened. Just as well, I realized my voice started to tremble a bit since I couldn't find my words, so I have to work on that as well. And I have to make sure my PowerPoitn program on my computer is compatible withthe school's computers before actually presenting the speech.
Overall I believe I did a horrible job trying to pick myself up, and delivering the speech. I would give myself a C-
Monday, April 26, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
The SPEECH!
I never thought I had a problem with public speaking, but it seems that every time I have to present in front of a room full of people, I get tense and nervous.
I was pretty unhappy with my presentation on Thursday. I didn't have a hard copy with me so I had to retrieve the speech on my phone; that set me back a bit. I know I definitely rushed the speech, since it seemed short to me. I think I could have improved on my pace. Perhaps I was just nervous, so I rushed through my speech and I probably omitted a few things from my presentation since I was nervous. Next time, I know I will have to keep my pace steady so that I won't skip key points in my speech. To improve, I should have a timer and rehearse my speech, so I know that I'm not too fast or too slow. Rehearsing a day beforehand would help a lot and I should definitely know what I am talking about, or else I would risk rambling about something unrelated to my speech. Plus, I should do those tension-relieving exercises! Of course I don't think I can ever do those exercises in front of everyone..I'll go to the bathroom and shake away all the tension.
However, I did do at least some good things in my presentation. I engaged the audience, and I incorporated their input in my speech. I asked before hand if anyone knew where the name "SoHo" came from, sort of as a clincher to the speech. However, I did cut off a student just as they were about to finish their sentence. Again, I might have been more nervous than anything, so I didn't even realize I cut someone off! Then again, I was somewhat relieved that no one else engaged the audience. Engaging the audience made my speech stand out a bit more.
As for my vocal delivery, I believe I was loud and clear. Perhaps, when I hear myself talking, I seem loud. But I will try to speak louder just in case my voice is too soft.
Physically, I may have moved my hands a bit too much, and I definitely looked at the ceiling or the wall most of the times. Plus, I darted my eyes across the room rapidly, not taking a moment to look everyone in the eye. I just have a problem with making eye contact with everybody. I don't have problem making eye contact when I'm with a smaller group of people. I guess since I was technically the "center of attention" I felt like there was an invisible spotlight shining on me and I felt awkward looking at everybody. I should probably take my own advice about eye contact: look at the person's hair, or forehead. I know that I don't necessarily have to look at a person directly in the eyes. I can fake eye contact by looking somewhere near it.
Overall I believe my presentation was above average. There were some areas I definitely needed to improve upon, and some areas that I believe I did very well.
I was pretty unhappy with my presentation on Thursday. I didn't have a hard copy with me so I had to retrieve the speech on my phone; that set me back a bit. I know I definitely rushed the speech, since it seemed short to me. I think I could have improved on my pace. Perhaps I was just nervous, so I rushed through my speech and I probably omitted a few things from my presentation since I was nervous. Next time, I know I will have to keep my pace steady so that I won't skip key points in my speech. To improve, I should have a timer and rehearse my speech, so I know that I'm not too fast or too slow. Rehearsing a day beforehand would help a lot and I should definitely know what I am talking about, or else I would risk rambling about something unrelated to my speech. Plus, I should do those tension-relieving exercises! Of course I don't think I can ever do those exercises in front of everyone..I'll go to the bathroom and shake away all the tension.
However, I did do at least some good things in my presentation. I engaged the audience, and I incorporated their input in my speech. I asked before hand if anyone knew where the name "SoHo" came from, sort of as a clincher to the speech. However, I did cut off a student just as they were about to finish their sentence. Again, I might have been more nervous than anything, so I didn't even realize I cut someone off! Then again, I was somewhat relieved that no one else engaged the audience. Engaging the audience made my speech stand out a bit more.
As for my vocal delivery, I believe I was loud and clear. Perhaps, when I hear myself talking, I seem loud. But I will try to speak louder just in case my voice is too soft.
Physically, I may have moved my hands a bit too much, and I definitely looked at the ceiling or the wall most of the times. Plus, I darted my eyes across the room rapidly, not taking a moment to look everyone in the eye. I just have a problem with making eye contact with everybody. I don't have problem making eye contact when I'm with a smaller group of people. I guess since I was technically the "center of attention" I felt like there was an invisible spotlight shining on me and I felt awkward looking at everybody. I should probably take my own advice about eye contact: look at the person's hair, or forehead. I know that I don't necessarily have to look at a person directly in the eyes. I can fake eye contact by looking somewhere near it.
Overall I believe my presentation was above average. There were some areas I definitely needed to improve upon, and some areas that I believe I did very well.
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